Document encryption

Scarlett · 25-11-2006, 18:52

Hi, Just started a new job and have found that I'm using my own laptop for some work stuff (its a much better spec and I don't need to worry to much about the software on it.)
However I do need to secure the documents so that they cannot be read by anyone else in case (heaven forbid) someone steals my lappy.

I would like some software that would allow me to do this without needing to protect every file individually. The contents of a directory would be good if possible.

Any recomendations ?

Druchii · 25-11-2006, 18:56

Does FolderLock do encryption? If it does it might be worth looking into as you can't even SEE the files until your password is in place.

Stuart · 25-11-2006, 19:01

Is the laptop running XP Pro and using NTFS drives? If so, XP's built in encryption may be good enough.

To use it, right click on a folder or file, select "Properties", Click "Advanced" and then tick "Encrypt". CLick OK.

greencreeper · 25-11-2006, 19:15

You could store the files on a flash drive (I'm searching for the word in my addled brain), and keep the drive somewhere seperate to the laptop.

File encryption can be a bit of a nightmare if it goes wrong.

Druchii · 25-11-2006, 19:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by greencreeper

You could store the files on a flash drive (I'm searching for the word in my addled brain), and keep the drive somewhere seperate to the laptop.

File encryption can be a bit of a nightmare if it goes wrong.

That was the correct term anyway

TheNorm · 25-11-2006, 19:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by greencreeper

You could store the files on a flash drive (I'm searching for the word in my addled brain), and keep the drive somewhere seperate to the laptop. ...

I'll second that! My employer gave a flash drive with a "software lock", only takes a few seconds to plug in and type in the password, and re-locks when removed. However, I still have a bad habit of saving files to my desktop - nothing too sensitive, though!

greencreeper · 25-11-2006, 21:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Druchii

That was the correct term anyway

Well the new phrase is "thumb drive" for the small, USB drives that connect directly into a USB socket (as oppose to using a cable). Technology huh - hard to keep up

Aragorn · 25-11-2006, 21:54

If you like bleeding edge, one of the big plays for Vista Business is BitLocker - drive encryption that is supposed to work!
Otherwise, a USB key with builtin encryption would be good (even one with fingerprint locking?), or NTFS encryption with a digital certificate held on a USB key or smartcard.

Scarlett · 25-11-2006, 22:29

Its XP home (my PC) so that encryption is out

Folder locker is what I want to see. I might have to fork out but it'll be worth it. Thanks reps on the way to all.

Druchii · 25-11-2006, 22:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scarlett

Its XP home (my PC) so that encryption is out

Folder locker is what I want to see. I might have to fork out but it'll be worth it. Thanks reps on the way to all.

It is indeed useful, i'm sure there are even more uses for it as well.

Glad it's what you're looking for =)

greencreeper · 25-11-2006, 23:09

The flash drives come in quite large sizes these days - should have plenty of room for documents. Even if you're doing multimedia work, I think there'd still be sufficient space. I have a 1GB one that I use for backing up essential files at work - copy them to the drive and transfer them to CD at home. I shouldn't really be doing it, but nothing confidential or commercially sensitive is stored, so sssssssh

I'd be lost without all the useful URLs, PDFs, and notes that I have stored.